This is so hard for me and always was with other cats we had...I guess most of them hate it. Am trying to use conditioning (desensitizing) by touching her paws lightly, showing her the clipper and letting her rub against it. I am trying to let her know that these things are ok...sometimes giving her a treat. Going slowly I have managed to clip one toenail - YEA !
If anyone has any easy or good ideas about clipping nails I would love to know. I found this site: http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/article.htm
The QUICK: I always thought the quick was a fine dark line that ran down the nail...in the pic in the link above they say different - which is right? If you have a better picture showing the quick..would like to see it. Thanks.
Here is another link with good pictures of the quick:
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/cat_claws.aspx
Trimming kitty nails and the quick
Re: Trimming kitty nails and the quick
It depends on the cat, sometimes you see that "line", sometimes you don't. Sometimes that "line" is actually dirt/debris embedded in the nail, giving that appearance. Sometimes it is due to age, or cracked/brittle nails.
In nails that are translucent or at least white, you can see where the quick is, (it is the darkest spot in the nail, upwards)...both sites you posted give a good image, but the WSU images in my opinion are better, and because they, like me, recommend cutting FAR AWAY FROM the quick. Ideally, all you truly want to do is BLUNT the nail tip, not cut too much or too far up.
You're doing all the right things, by taking it slow, introducing her slowly to the procedure, only doing one nail at a time and making the experience pleasant for her. In time, she will be so laid back about it, you can probably do them all at once, but for now, just take it one step at a time, one nail at a time, keep the experience calm and happy for her.
Also, important, keep some KwikStop on hand!
In nails that are translucent or at least white, you can see where the quick is, (it is the darkest spot in the nail, upwards)...both sites you posted give a good image, but the WSU images in my opinion are better, and because they, like me, recommend cutting FAR AWAY FROM the quick. Ideally, all you truly want to do is BLUNT the nail tip, not cut too much or too far up.
You're doing all the right things, by taking it slow, introducing her slowly to the procedure, only doing one nail at a time and making the experience pleasant for her. In time, she will be so laid back about it, you can probably do them all at once, but for now, just take it one step at a time, one nail at a time, keep the experience calm and happy for her.
Also, important, keep some KwikStop on hand!
..........Traci
Re: Trimming kitty nails and the quick
Thanks, Traci- I got 2 so far and after ea one a kitty treat. Will just do the very tip. She has really clear nails, but I don't have a lot of time to look at them...when she lets me I have to get in there and cut one pretty fast. I will be patient and just do one at a time. (Got the kwik stop handy)